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Uri Fallout: India Mulls Revoking Most Favored Nation Tag for Pak

The fallout of the Uri attack could see the Indian government tighten the screws on Pakistan after Union Minister of State for Finance, Arjun Meghwal revealed that India is mulling the idea of revoking the Most Favoured Nation tag given to Pakistan.

Speaking to India Today, the minister said that this status accorded to the neighboring country is currently under review and could soon be withdrawn or downgraded.

The move he said is part of a larger plan of economic and diplomatic crackdown against Pakistan.

The idea is to isolate Pakistan on economic front in view of their consistent support to acts of terror. Like the Defence Minister and Prime Minister have said, we will take strong action against Pakistan.

Arjun Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Finance

He also said that the nation’s security is of utmost importance.

When Pakistan was accorded the Most Favoured Nation status, the situation was different. Now, the conditions have changed... We have different conditions now. So, we are seriously reviewing the MFN status given to Pakistan. India’s security is always our priority. Trade makes our nation strong but our priority will be security.

Most Favoured Nation status afforded to Pakistan allows the smooth flow of goods across the border. However this privilege is not enjoyed by India as it is not a Most Favored Nation for Pakistan.

Earlier, Rajya Sabha member Rajeev Chandrasekhar said on Wednesday that he will submit a private members’ bill as well as a resolution to declare Pakistan a terrorist nation in a “couple of days”.

Chandrasekhar, an independent member of the upper house of parliament, said he will submit the bill to Rajya Sabha Secretariat in a “couple of days” and has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking action in this regard.

The bill seeks to declare Pakistan a terrorist state and break all trade, economic and other relations with it.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, member, Rajya Sabha

The bill and resolution are titled “Pakistan State Sponsor of Terror”.

“I will be submitting the bill in a couple of days. Basically, Pakistan has put itself in a position similar to North Korea by exporting terror. It should be boycotted,” he said.

Chansekhar also wrote to Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday, urging him to take action.